Ground and supply cable compensation architecture for usb power delivery subsystem

ABSTRACT

A multi-port Universal Serial Bus Type-C (USB-C) controller with ground and supply cable compensation technologies is described. A USB-C controller includes a first power control circuit (PCU) coupled to a system ground terminal and a first ground terminal and a second PCU coupled to the system ground terminal and a second ground terminal. The first PCU receives a first ground signal indicative of a first ground potential at a first USB-C connector and adjusts a first power voltage line (VBUS) signal on the first VBUS terminal based on the first ground signal and the system ground. The second PCU receives a second ground signal indicative of a second ground potential at a second USB-C connector and adjusts a second VBUS signal on the second VBUS terminal based on the second ground signal and the system ground.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 63/074,021, filed Sep. 3, 2020, the entire contents ofwhich are incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

Various electronic devices (e.g., such as smartphones, tablets, notebookcomputers, laptop computers, hubs, chargers, adapters, etc.) areconfigured to transfer power through Universal Serial Bus (USB)connectors according to USB power delivery protocols defined in variousrevisions of the USB Power Delivery (USB-PD) specification. For example,in some applications, an electronic device may be configured as a powerconsumer to receive power through a USB connector (e.g., for batterycharging). In contrast, in other applications, an electronic device maybe configured as a power provider to provide power to another connecteddevice through a USB connector.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure is illustrated by way of example, and not of limitation,in the figures of the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a multi-port Universal Serial Bus PowerDelivery (USB-PD) device with ground and supply cable compensation,according to at least one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a Configuration Channel (CC) physicalinterface, according to at least one embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a graph illustrating an eye diagram of a receiver of a CCphysical interface, according to at least one embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a dual-port USB-C controller with groundand supply cable compensation, according to at least one embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a system for a USB device withground and supply cable compensation for use in USB power delivery inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of a method of ground and supply cablecompensation for a USB-PD power device, according to at least oneembodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description sets forth numerous specific details such asexamples of specific systems, components, methods, and so forth, inorder to provide a good understanding of various embodiments of thetechniques described herein for providing ground and supply cablecompensation such as used in USB power delivery (PD) applications. Itwill be apparent to one skilled in the art, however, that at least someembodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In otherinstances, well-known components, elements, or methods are not describedin detail or are presented in a simple block diagram format in order toavoid unnecessarily obscuring the techniques described herein. Thus, thespecific details set forth hereinafter are merely exemplary. Particularimplementations may vary from these exemplary details and still becontemplated to be within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Reference in the description to “an embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “anexample embodiment,” “some embodiments,” and “various embodiments” meansthat a particular feature, structure, step, operation, or characteristicdescribed in connection with the embodiment(s) is included in at leastone embodiment of the invention. Further, the appearances of the phrases“an embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “an example embodiment,” “someembodiments,” and “various embodiments” in various places in thedescription do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment(s).

The description includes references to the accompanying drawings, whichform a part of the detailed description. The drawings show illustrationsin accordance with exemplary embodiments. These embodiments, which mayalso be referred to herein as “examples” are described in enough detailto enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments of theclaimed subject matter described herein. The embodiments may becombined, other embodiments may be utilized, or structural, logical, andelectrical changes may be made without departing from the scope andspirit of the claimed subject matter. It should be understood that theembodiments described herein are not intended to limit the scope of thesubject matter but rather to enable one skilled in the art to practice,make, and/or use the subject matter.

Described herein are various embodiments of techniques for providing amulti-port Universal Serial Bus Type-C (USB-C) controller with groundand supply cable compensation technologies in electronic devices inUSB-PD. Examples of such electronic devices include, without limitation,personal computers (e.g., laptop computers, notebook computers, etc.),mobile computing devices (e.g., tablets, tablet computers, e-readerdevices, etc.), mobile communication devices (e.g., smartphones, cellphones, personal digital assistants, messaging devices, pocket PCs,etc.), connectivity and charging devices (e.g., hubs, docking stations,adapters, chargers, etc.), audio/video/data recording and/or playbackdevices (e.g., cameras, voice recorders, hand-held scanners, monitors,etc.), and other similar electronic devices that can use USB connectors(interfaces) for communication, battery charging, and/or power delivery.In at least one embodiment, a USB-C controller includes a first powercontrol circuit (PCU) coupled to a system ground terminal and a firstground terminal and a second PCU coupled to the system ground terminaland a second ground terminal. The first PCU receives a first groundsignal indicative of a first ground potential at a first USB-C connectorand adjusts a first power voltage (VBUS) signal on the first VBUSterminal based on the first ground signal and the system ground. Thesecond PCU receives a second ground signal indicative of a second groundpotential at a second USB-C connector and adjusts a second VBUS signalon the second VBUS terminal based on the second ground signal and thesystem ground.

In at least one embodiment, a USB-C controller includes USB Data ports(CC PHY or USB Data line) coupled to a first ground terminal and asecond data port coupled to a second ground terminal. The first dataport receives a first ground signal indicative of a first groundpotential at a first USB-C connector and adjusts data output (CC1/CC2 orDP/DM) signal on the data terminal based on the first ground signal. Thesecond data port receives a second ground signal indicative of a secondground potential at a second USB-C connector and adjusts data output(CC1/CC2 or DP/DM) signal on the data terminal based on the secondground signal.

The embodiments described herein can be used for alternating current todirect current (AC-DC) USB Type-C power adapters with a provider FET(e.g., a pass gate FET, an N-channel FET (NFET) switch), AC-DC poweradapters, Type-C/PD products using a provider FET for a provider orconsumer path, power-adapter solutions along with Type-C PD capability,and USB Type-C compliant DC-DC power providers and/or suppliers withprovider FET.

A USB-enabled electronic device or a system may comply with at least onerelease of the USB specification. Examples of such USB specificationsinclude, without limitation, the USB Specification Revision 2.0, the USB3.0 Specification, the USB 3.1 Specification, and/or various supplements(e.g., such as On-The-Go, or OTG), versions and errata thereof. The USBspecifications generally define the characteristics (e.g., attributes,protocol definition, types of transactions, bus management, programminginterfaces, etc.) of a differential serial bus that are required todesign and build standard communication systems and peripherals. Forexample, a USB-enabled peripheral device attaches to a USB-enabled hostdevice through a USB port of the host device to form a USB-enabledsystem. A USB 2.0 port includes a power voltage line of 5V (denotedVBUS), a differential pair of data lines (denoted D+ or DP, and D− orDN), and a ground line for power return (denoted GND). A USB 3.0 portalso provides the VBUS, D+, D−, and GND lines for backward compatibilitywith USB 2.0. In addition, to support a faster differential bus (the USBSuperSpeed bus), a USB 3.0 port also provides a differential pair oftransmitter data lines (denoted SSTX+ and SSTX−), a differential pair ofreceiver data lines (denoted SSRX+ and SSRX−), a power line for power(denoted DPWR), and a ground line for power return (denoted DGND). A USB3.1 port provides the same lines as a USB 3.0 port for backwardcompatibility with USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 communications, but extends theperformance of the SuperSpeed bus by a collection of features referredto as Enhanced SuperSpeed.

A more recent technology for USB connectors, called USB Type-C, isdefined in various releases and/or versions of the USB Type-Cspecification. The USB Type-C specification defines Type-C receptacle,Type-C plug, and Type-C cables that can support USB communications aswell as power delivery over newer USB power delivery protocols definedin various revisions/versions of the USB-PD specification. Examples ofUSB Type-C functions and requirements may include, without limitation,data and other communications according to USB 2.0 and USB 3.0/3.1,electro-mechanical definitions and performance requirements for Type-Ccables, electro-mechanical definitions and performance requirements forType-C receptacles, electro-mechanical definitions and performancerequirements for Type-C plugs, requirements for Type-C to legacy cableassemblies and adapters, requirements for Type-C-based device detectionand interface configuration, requirements for optimized power deliveryfor Type-C connectors, etc. According to the USB Type-Cspecification(s), a Type-C port provides VBUS, D+, D−, GND, SSTX+,SSTX−, SSRX+, and SSRX− lines, among others. In addition, a Type-C portalso provides a Sideband Use (denoted SBU) line for signaling ofsideband functionality and a Configuration Channel (denoted CC) line fordiscovery, configuration, and management of connections across a Type-Ccable. A Type-C port may be associated with a Type-C plug and/or aType-C receptacle. For ease of use, the Type-C plug and the Type-Creceptacle are designed as a reversible pair that operates regardless ofthe plug-to-receptacle orientation. Thus, a standard USB Type-Cconnector, disposed as a standard Type-C plug or receptacle, providesterminals for four VBUS lines, four ground return (GND) lines, two D+lines (DP1 and DP2), two D− lines (DN1 and DN2), two SSTX+ lines (SSTXP1and SSTXP2), two SSTX− lines (SSTXN1 and SSTXN2), two SSRX+ lines(SSRXP1 and SSRXP2), two SSRX− lines (SSRXN1 and SSRXN2), two CC lines(CC1 and CC2), and two SBU lines (SBU1 and SBU2), among others.

Some USB-enabled electronic devices may be compliant with a specificrevision and/or version of the USB-PD specification. The USB-PDspecification defines a standard protocol designed to enable the maximumfunctionality of USB-enabled devices by providing more flexible powerdelivery along with data communications over a single USB Type-C cablethrough USB Type-C ports. The USB-PD specification also describes thearchitecture, protocols, power supply behavior, parameters, and cablingnecessary for managing power delivery over USB Type-C cables at up to100 W of power. According to the USB-PD specification, devices with USBType-C ports (e.g., such as USB-enabled devices) may negotiate for morecurrent and/or higher or lower voltages over a USB Type-C cable than areallowed in older USB specifications (e.g., such as the USB 2.0Specification, USB 3.1 Specification, the USB Battery ChargingSpecification Rev. 1.1/1.2, etc.). For example, the USB-PD specificationdefines the requirements for a power delivery contract (PD contract)that can be negotiated between a pair of USB-enabled devices. The PDcontract can specify both the power level and the direction of powertransfer that both devices can accommodate, and can be dynamicallyre-negotiated (e.g., without device un-plugging) upon request by eitherdevice and/or in response to various events and conditions, such aspower role swap, data role swap, hard reset, failure of the powersource, etc.

According to the USB-PD specification, an electronic device is typicallyconfigured to deliver power to another device through a power pathconfigured on a USB VBUS line. The device that provides the power istypically referred to as (or includes) a “provider” (or a power source),and the device that consumes power is typically referred to as (orincludes) a “consumer” (or a power sink). A power path typicallyincludes a power switch coupled in-line on the VBUS line and configuredto turn power delivery on and off.

As described above, the CC lines (e.g., CC1/CC2) in USB-PD can be usedfor discovery (attach or detach detection), power supply to cable ICsand communications between downstream facing ports (DFPs) and upstreamfacing ports (UFPs). An eye diagram needs to be met on the CC terminalsof a connector when transmitting data for communication, such asdescribed below with respect to FIGS. 2-3. In certain applications, likeautomotive applications, a system ground (also referred to as “chipground”) and connector ground are connected through a long cable (e.g.,from a dashboard to a rear-seat panel). In some cases, the cable canhave a length that causes voltage drops. When delivering high power(3A-5A load current) over the cable, there can be a significant voltagedrop on the ground terminal at the connector due to the long cable. Forexample, the connector ground can have a voltage drop (e.g., 250 mV)from the system ground. When a transmitter drives a signal levelcorresponding to a “0” on CC lines, the signal appears to have a lowervoltage level (e.g., −250 mV) at the connector, which would fail the eyediagram as the inner and upper bounds on “0” is +/−75 mV.

Similarly, a receiver coupled to the CC line can be sensitive to thedifference in ground potentials. There can be a voltage shift (e.g., 250mV to 500 mV shift) on the ground signal in 1.2V signaling. For example,there can be a 500 mV shift with a first portion being 250 mV due to theconnector ground and 250 mV due to the cable.

In addition, the VBUS supply is used to deliver power to sink devicesthrough a cable. The VBUS output voltage can have an error (e.g., +/−250mV error) with respect to the connector ground terminal and can have avoltage drop on the VBUS line, which is significant at 5V (e.g.,+/−10%).

Described herein are various embodiments of techniques for providingground and supply cable compensation in a multi-port USB-C controller.The embodiments described herein may address the deficiencies describedabove and other challenges by a multi-port USB-PD system with integratedpower control architecture that can meet supply and signal electricalrequirements with a significant voltage drop on connector ground andsupply ground. The embodiments described herein can provide one groundterminal per port dedicated to a physical interface (e.g., CC_PHY). Thisterminal is isolated from the main chip ground (GND) or power controlground (PGND). Digital and analog level shifters can be used betweenprocessing core signals and the physical interface. Since the connectorground and the physical interface's ground are the same, there is noground shift seen at a connector or a receiver. The shifted ground canbe detected by power control functions (or output regulation function oranalog-to-digital converter (ADC) and the shifted ground can be used tocorrect the VBUS supply accordingly.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a multi-port USB-PD device 100 with groundand supply cable compensation according to one embodiment. Themulti-port USB-PD device 100 includes a multi-port USB-C controller 116(hereinafter “USB-C controller”). The USB-C controller 116 may bedisposed in a chip package and includes a USB-PD subsystem configured inaccordance with the techniques for ground and supply cable compensationdescribed herein. The USB-C controller 116 is configured to negotiate aPD contract with a consumer device (not shown) attached to USB Type-Cport 140 and control through an output terminal the required VBUSvoltage. USB Type-C port 140 is can also be referred to as a USB Type-Cconnector and is typically associated with a Type-C plug, but it shouldbe understood that in various embodiments, the USB Type-C port may beassociated with a Type-C receptacle instead. The USB-C controller 116 isconfigured to negotiate a PD control with other consumer devicesattached to other USB Type-C ports, including an N^(th) USB Type-C port142.

In at least one embodiment, the USB Type-C port 140 is located at afirst location, such as a first location within a vehicle, and the USB-Ccontroller 116 is located at a second location, such as a secondlocation within the vehicle. The USB Type-C port 140 is coupled to afirst port 110 of the USB-C controller 116 via a first cable 112. Asecond USB Type-C port is coupled to a second port of the USB-Ccontroller 116 via a second cable (not illustrated in FIG. 1.). An NthUSB Type-C port 142 is coupled to an Nth port 120 of the USB-Ccontroller 116 via an Nth cable 122. For simplicity, the first and Nthports 110, 120 are referred to as first and second ports 110, 120,respectively.

In at least one embodiment, the USB-C controller 116 includes a systemground terminal 101, the first port 110, and the second port 120. Thefirst port 110 includes a first ground terminal 111, a first VBUSterminal 113, a first power supply ground terminal 119, CC terminals115, and data terminals 117, and the second port 120 includes a secondground terminal 121, a second VBUS terminal 123, a second power supplyground terminal 129, CC terminals 125, and data terminals 127. The firstport 110 couples to the first USB-C connector 140 via the first cable112. The first port 110 includes at least the first ground terminal 111,a first VBUS terminal 113, a first power supply ground terminal 119, afirst CC terminal (CC1), a second CC terminal (CC2). In anotherembodiment, the first port 110 also includes a first data terminal (DP)and a second data terminal (DM). The second port 120 couples to thesecond USB-C connector 142 via the second cable 122. The second port 120includes at least the second ground terminal 121, a second VBUS terminal123, a second power supply ground terminal 129, a first CC terminal(CC1), a second CC terminal (CC2). In another embodiment, the secondport 120 also includes a first data terminal (DP) and a second dataterminal (DM).

In at least one embodiment, the USB-C controller 116 includes a firstpower control circuit (PCU) 104 coupled to the system ground terminal101 and the first port 110. The first PCU 104 receives a first groundsignal indicative of a first ground potential at the USB Type-C port 140(e.g., a first USB-C connector). The first PCU 104 adjusts a first VBUSsignal on the first VBUS terminal based on the first ground signal and asystem ground signal on the system ground terminal 101. The first groundsignal is electrically isolated from the system ground signal on thesystem ground terminal 101. The USB-C controller 116 includes a secondPCU 114 coupled to the system ground terminal 101 and the second port120. The second PCU 114 receives a second ground signal indicative of asecond ground potential at the USB Type-C port 142 (e.g., a second USB-Cconnector) and adjusts a second VBUS signal on the second VBUS terminalbased on the second ground signal and the system ground signal on thesystem ground terminal 101. The second ground signal is electricallyisolated from the system ground signal on the system ground terminal101.

In at least one embodiment, the USB-C controller 116 includes a first CCphysical interface 106 coupled to the first ground terminal, the firstCC terminal, and the second CC terminal of the first port 110. The USB-Ccontroller 116 includes a second CC physical interface 116 coupled tothe second ground terminal, the first CC terminal, and the second CCterminal of the second port 120. The first CC physical interface 106operates at the same first ground potential as the USB Type-C port 140(e.g., first USB-C connector). The second CC physical interface 116operates at the same second ground potential as the USB Type-C port 142(e.g., second USB-C connector).

In at least one embodiment, the USB-C controller 116 includes aprocessing core 102 coupled to the first PCU 104 and the second PCU 114.The processing core 102 is configured to send or receive first controlsignals 103 using the first CC physical interface 106 and send orreceive second control signals 105 using the second CC physicalinterface 114.

In at least one embodiment, the USB-C controller 116 is coupled to afirst ground-sense circuit 124. In particular, the first ground terminalof the first input 110 is coupled to the first ground-sense circuit 124.The first ground-sense circuit 124 is configured to sense the firstground potential at the USB Type-C port 140 (e.g., first USB-Cconnector) and generate the first ground signal indicative of the firstground potential. In particular, the first ground-sense circuit 124measures the first ground potential on the first power supply groundline at the USB Type-C port 140, the first power supply ground linebeing coupled to the first power supply ground terminal 119 via thefirst cable 112. The USB-C controller 116 is coupled to a secondground-sense circuit 126. In particular, the second ground terminal ofthe second port 120 is coupled to the second ground-sense circuit 126.The second ground-sense circuit 126 is configured to sense the secondground potential at the USB Type-C port 142 (e.g., second USB-Cconnector) and generate the second ground signal indicative of thesecond ground potential. In particular, the second ground-sense circuit126 measures the second ground potential on the second power supplyground line at the USB Type-C port 142, the second power supply groundline being coupled to the second power supply ground terminal 129 viathe second cable 122.

In at least one embodiment, the USB-C controller 116 includes a firstdata physical interface 108 coupled to a first data terminal and asecond data terminal of the first port 110. The first data physicalinterface 108 operates at the same first ground potential as the USBType-C port 140 (e.g., first USB-C connector). The USB-C controller 116includes a second data physical interface 118 coupled to a third dataterminal and a fourth data terminal of the second port 120. The seconddata physical interface 118 operates at the same second ground potentialas the USB Type-C port 142 (e.g., second USB-C connector).

In at least one embodiment, the USB-C controller 116 is coupled to apower and switch components 128. The power and switch components 128 caninclude a four-switch buck-boost DC-DC converter. The switches can beexternal NFETs.

The embodiments described herein can be implemented in a power deliverysystem, such as a serial bus-compatible power supply device. An exampleof a serial bus-compatible power supply device may include a serial buspower delivery (SBPD) device, a USB-compatible power supply device, orthe like. In some embodiments, the SBPD device is a multi-port USB-PDdevice compatible with the USB-PD standard or, more generally, with theUSB standard. For example, the SBPD device may provide an output voltage(e.g., VBUS_C, power supply voltage) based on an input voltage (e.g.,VBUS Ind., power supply voltage) on each of the multiple ports. The SBPDdevice may include the various embodiments described herein tofacilitate communications between a primary-side controller and asecondary-side controller. The SBPD device may include a power converter(e.g., an AC-DC converter) and a power control analog subsystem (e.g., aUSB-PD controller). The power control analog subsystem may include thecircuitry, functionality, or both, as described herein for communicatinginformation across a galvanic isolation barrier.

In embodiments, the SBPD device is connected to a power source, such asa wall socket power source that provides AC power. In other embodiments,the power source may be a different power source, such as a vehiclebattery, and may provide DC power to the SBPD device. The powerconverter may convert the power received from a power source (e.g.,convert power received to VBUS_IN, ranging from 3.3V to 21.5V). Forexample, a power converter may be an AC-DC converter and convert ACpower from the power source to DC power. In some embodiments, the powerconverter is a flyback converter, such as a secondary-controlled flybackconverter, that provides galvanic isolation between the input (e.g.,primary side) and the output (e.g., secondary side). In anotherembodiment, the device may be a consumer device receiving power from theSBPD device. The consumer device may control the gate-source voltage ofits provider FET with a secondary gate driver integrated onto thesecondary-side controller of the consumer device.

In some embodiments, the SBPD device provides VBUS_C to a sink device(e.g., via a Configuration Channel (CC) specifying a particular outputvoltage and possibly an output current). SBPD device may also provideaccess to ground potential (e.g., ground) to the sink device. In someembodiments, the providing of the VBUS_C is compatible with the USB-PDstandard. The power control analog subsystem may receive VBUS_IN fromthe power converter. The power control analog subsystem may outputVBUS_IN. In some embodiments, the power control analog subsystem is aUSB Type-C controller compatible with the USB Type-C standard. The powercontrol analog subsystem may provide system interrupts responsive to theVBUS_IN and the VBUS_C.

In some embodiments, any of the components of the SBPD device may bepart of an IC, or alternatively, any of the components of the SBPDdevice may be implemented in its own IC. For example, the powerconverter and the power control analog subsystem may be discrete ICswith separate packaging and terminal configurations.

In some embodiments, the SBPD device may provide a complete USB Type-Cand USB-Power Delivery port control solution for notebooks, dongles,monitors, docking stations, power adapters, vehicle chargers, powerbanks, mobile adaptors, and the like.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a Configuration Channel (CC) physicalinterface 200, according to at least one embodiment. The CC physicalinterface 200 includes a transmitter 202, a receiver 204, and detectorcircuit 206 for a first CC terminal 205. The CC physical interface 200includes a transmitter 212, a receiver 214, and detector circuit 216 fora second terminal 215. The transmitters and receivers can be used fordiscovery and other communications between DFPs and UFPs. Whentransmitting data by the transmitter 202 (or transmitter 212), an eyediagram needs to be met on the CC terminals of a connector. In certainapplications, a ground terminal of the USB-C controller and connectorground are connected through a long cable which can be 5 meters (m) to10 m, for example. There can be a voltage drop between the connectorground and the ground terminal on the cable that affects the eye diagramrequirements. So, when the transmitter 202 (or 212) drives a signallevel corresponding to a “0” on CC lines, the signal appears to have alower voltage level at the connector than at the ground terminal at theUSB-C controller. This voltage drop can cause the CC physical interface200 to fail the eye diagram as the inner and upper bounds on the signallevel “0” is +/−75 mV.

As described above, the CC physical interface 200 can use the sameground potential as at the connector to remove a ground shift caused bythe cable. In at least one embodiment, a ground-sense circuit 224measures a ground signal at a connector (not illustrated in FIG. 2) andgenerates a first ground signal 211 indicative of the first groundpotential to be used by the CC physical interface 200. Put another way,the CC physical interface 200 operates with the same ground potential aspresent at the connector ground, even if the cable causes a groundshift. The USB-C controller can include a first ground terminal 111 toreceive the first ground signal 211 (e.g., GND SNS) to be used by the CCphysical interface 200. The first ground signal 211 can also be used forpower supply compensation, as described below.

Similarly, the USB-C controller can include a separate ground terminalfor each of the other ports. In a dual-port system, the USB-C controllerincludes a first ground terminal for a first CC physical interface and asecond ground terminal for a second CC physical interface. For amulti-port system of N ports, the USB-C controller includes N groundterminals per each of the ports. In at least one embodiment, the dataphysical interfaces can use the same ground signals being measured andshifted by the ground-sense circuit for the CC physical interfaces. Inthis manner, the USB-C controller and ground-sense circuits can be usedfor ground compensation for ground shifts in the multiple cables betweenthe USB-C controller and the multiple connectors, where the multiplecables may have different lengths (and thus may cause different voltagedrops) from each other.

FIG. 3 is a graph illustrating an eye diagram 300 of a receiver of a CCphysical interface, according to at least one embodiment. The eyediagram 300 represents the eye diagram of the receiver 204 of FIG. 2,but the receiver 214 and the transmitters 202, 212 of the CC physicalinterface can have similar eye diagrams. The eye diagram 300 shows aunit interval (UI) in which a signal on the CC1 line can be sampledcorrectly. Ideally, the signal on the CC1 line should be sampled atcenter 302 of the eye diagram (e.g., 0.5 UI), and the sampled valueshould be between an upper bound 304 and a lower bound 306 for the eyediagram 300 for proper sampling. When the cable causes ground shifts,the signals received on the CC1 line can fail to meet the eye diagram300 as described herein. Using the embodiments described herein, theground shift can be sensed and shifted so that the CC physical interface200 can operate with the same ground potential as at the connectorground. Using the same ground potential for the CC physical interface200 as present at the connector ground allows the CC physical interface200 to meet the eye diagram 300 for proper sampling of signals on theCC1 line. Similarly, using the same ground potential helps with samplingsignals on the CC2 line. Similarly, the same techniques can be used forother control lines or data lines as described herein.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a dual-port USB-C controller 400 withground and supply cable compensation, according to at least oneembodiment. The dual-port USB-C controller 400 is coupled to a firstUSB-C connector 410 via a first cable 412 and a second USB-C connector420 via a second cable 422. The dual-port USB-C controller 400 includesa first ground terminal 401 coupled to a system ground, a second groundterminal 403, and a third ground terminal 405. The first ground terminal401 receives a system ground signal. The second ground terminal 403receives a first ground signal indicative of a first ground potential ata first ground terminal 407 at the first USB-C connector 410. The firstground signal is electrically isolated from the system ground signal. Inother words, the first ground terminal 401 and the second groundterminal 403 are electrically isolated. The third ground terminal 405receives a second ground signal indicative of a second ground potentialat a second ground terminal 409 at the second USB-C connector 420. Thesecond ground signal is electrically isolated from the system groundsignal. In other words, the first ground terminal 401 and the thirdground terminal 405 are electrically isolated.

The dual-port USB-C controller 400 is coupled to a power switch andswitching components 428 to supply power to the first USB-C connector410 and a power switch and switching components 430 to supply power tothe second USB-C connector 420. The power switch and switchingcomponents 428 are coupled to the first ground terminal 407 and a firstVBUS terminal 411 of the first USB-C connector 410. The power switch andswitching components 430 are coupled to the second ground terminal 409and a second VBUS terminal 413 of the second USB-C connector 420. Thedual-port USB-C controller 400 includes a first PCU 404 that controlsthe power switch and switching components 428 to supply power on thefirst VBUS terminal 407 of the first USB-C connector 410. The dual-portUSB-C controller 400 includes a second PCU 414 that controls the powerswitch and switching components 430 to supply power on the second VBUSterminal 409 of the second USB-C connector 420. The first PCU 404 isalso coupled to the system ground terminal 401, the second groundterminal 403, and the first VBUS terminal 407. The first PCU 404 adjustsa first VBUS signal on the first VBUS terminal 407 based on the firstground signal and the system ground signal. The second PCU 414 iscoupled to the system ground terminal 401, the third ground terminal405, and the second VBUS terminal 409. The second PCU 414 adjusts asecond VBUS signal on the second VBUS terminal 409 based on the secondground signal and the system ground signal. In at least one embodiment,the system ground terminal 401 has the same ground potential as thepower ground terminals coupled to the power switch and switchingcomponents 428, 430. Alternatively, the PCUs can receive a power groundsignal from the power switch and switching components and the sensedground signal indicative of the connector ground. The PCUs can use thepower ground signal and the sensed ground signal to detect andcompensate for a voltage drop over the cable. The PCU can adjust thepower to compensate for voltage drops on the VBUS lines, considering themeasured ground potential at the respective connectors.

In at least one embodiment, the dual-port USB-C controller 400 includesa first CC physical interface 406 and a second CC physical interface416. The first CC physical interface 406 is coupled to the second groundterminal 403, a first CC terminal 415, and a second CC terminal 417. Thefirst CC physical interface 406 operates at the same first groundpotential as the first USB-C connector 410. The first CC physicalinterface 406 uses the first ground signal received at the second groundterminal 403 that indicates the first ground potential at the firstground terminal 407 of the first USB-C connector 410. The second CCphysical interface 416 is coupled to the third ground terminal 405, afirst CC terminal 419, and a second CC terminal 421. The second CCphysical interface 416 operates at the same second ground potential asthe second USB-C connector 420. The second CC physical interface 416uses the second ground signal received at the third ground terminal 405that indicates the second ground potential at the second ground terminal409 of the second USB-C connector 420.

In at least one embodiment, the dual-port USB-C controller 400 includesa processing core 402 coupled to the first PCU 404 and the second PCU414. The processing core 402 is configured to send or receive firstcontrol signals to or from another device connected to the first USB-Cconnector 410 using the first CC physical interface 406. The processingcore 402 is also configured to send or receive second control signals toor from another device connected to the second USB-C connector 420 usingthe second CC physical interface 416.

In at least one embodiment, the dual-port USB-C controller 400 includesa first level shifter 432 coupled to the first CC physical interface 406and the processing core 402. The first level shifter 432 is configuredto adjust the voltage levels of the first control signals between theprocessing core 402 and the first CC physical interface 406. Thedual-port USB-C controller 400 includes a second level shifter 434coupled to the second CC physical interface 416 and the processing core402. The second level shifter 434 is configured to adjust the voltagelevels of the second control signals between the processing core 402 andthe first CC physical interface 416.

In at least one embodiment, the dual-port USB-C controller 400 includesa third level shifter 436 coupled to the first PCU 404 and theprocessing core 404. The third level shifter 436 is configured to adjustvoltage levels of signals between the first PCU 404 and the processingcore 402. The dual-port USB-C controller 400 includes a fourth levelshifter 438 coupled to the second PCU 414 and the processing core 402.The fourth level shifter 438 is configured to adjust voltage levels ofsignals between the second PCU 414 and the processing core 402.

In at least one embodiment, the dual-port USB-C controller 400 includesa first ground-sense circuit 408 coupled to the second ground terminal403. The first ground-sense circuit 408 is configured to sense the firstground potential on the first ground terminal 407 at the first USB-Cconnector 410 and generate the first ground signal indicative of thefirst ground potential at the first USB-C connector 410. The firstground-sense circuit 408 can sense and shift the first ground signal sothat the first ground signal is the same as the ground potential at thefirst ground terminal 407, even if there is a difference between theground potential at the first PCU 404 and the ground potential at thefirst USB-C connector 410.

In at least one embodiment, the dual-port USB-C controller 400 includesa second ground-sense circuit 418 coupled to the third ground terminal405. The second ground-sense circuit 418 is configured to sense thesecond ground potential on the second ground terminal 409 at the secondUSB-C connector 420 and generate the second ground signal indicative ofthe second ground potential at the second USB-C connector 420. Thesecond ground-sense circuit 418 can sense and shift the second groundsignal so that the second ground signal is the same as the groundpotential at the second ground terminal 409, even if there is adifference between the ground potential at the second PCU 414 and theground potential at the second USB-C connector 420.

In at least one embodiment, the dual-port USB-C controller 400 includesa first data physical interface coupled to a first data terminal and asecond data terminal (not illustrated in FIG. 4). The first dataphysical interface operates at the same first ground potential as thefirst USB-C connector 410 in a similar manner as described above withrespect to the first CC physical interface 406.

In at least one embodiment, the dual-port USB-C controller 400 includesa second data physical interface coupled to a third data terminal and afourth data terminal (not illustrated in FIG. 4). The second dataphysical interface operates at the same second ground potential as thesecond USB-C connector 420 in a similar manner as described above withrespect to the second CC physical interface 416.

In at least one embodiment, the dual-port USB-C controller 400 can beused in, or in connection with, a vehicle entertainment system. In atleast one embodiment, the dual-port USB-C controller 400 includes aconnector that connects to other subsystems of the vehicle entertainmentsystem. Alternatively, the connector can connect to other systems, suchas a head-unit charger, a rear-seat charger, a charger of anentertainment system, or the like. In at least one embodiment, the firstUSB-C connector 410 is located at a first location within a vehicle, andthe dual-port USB-C controller 400 is located at a second locationwithin the vehicle. The first cable 412 extends between the firstlocation and the second location. In at least one embodiment, the secondUSB-C connector 420 is located at the first location with the firstUSB-C connector 410. In at least one embodiment, the second USB-Cconnector 420 is located at a third location, different from the firstand second locations. In at least one embodiment, the second USB-Cconnector 420 is located at the second location with the dual-port USB-Ccontroller 400.

In another embodiment, the dual-port USB-C controller 400 is part of aUSB-PD subsystem used in various applications.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a system 500 for a USB devicewith ground and supply cable compensation for use in USB power deliveryin accordance with some embodiments. System 500 may include a peripheralsubsystem 510, including a number of components for use in USB-PD.Peripheral subsystem 510 may include a peripheral interconnect 511including a clocking module, peripheral clock (PCLK) 512 for providingclock signals to the various components of peripheral subsystem 510.Peripheral interconnect 511 may be a peripheral bus, such as asingle-level or multi-level advanced high-performance bus (AHB), and mayprovide a data and control interface between peripheral subsystem 510,CPU subsystem 530, and system resources 540. Peripheral interconnect 511may include controller circuits, such as direct memory access (DMA)controllers, which may be programmed to transfer data between peripheralblocks without input by, control of, or burden on CPU subsystem 530.

The peripheral interconnect 511 may be used to couple components ofperipheral subsystem 510 to other components of system 500. Coupled toperipheral interconnect 511 may be a number of general-purposeinput/outputs (GPIOs) 515 for sending and receiving signals. GPIOs 515may include circuits configured to implement various functions such aspull-up, pull-down, input threshold select, input, and output bufferenabling/disable, single multiplexing, etc. Still, other functions maybe implemented by GPIOs 515. One or more timer/counter/pulse-widthmodulator (TCPWM) 517 may also be coupled to the peripheral interconnectand include circuitry for implementing timing circuits (timers),counters, pulse-width modulators (PWMs) decoders, and other digitalfunctions that may operate on I/O signals and provide digital signals tosystem components of system 500. Peripheral subsystem 510 may alsoinclude one or more serial communication blocks (SCBs) 519 forimplementation of serial communication interfaces such as I2C, serialperipheral interface (SPI), universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter(UART), controller area network (CAN), clock extension peripheralinterface (CXPI), etc.

For USB power delivery applications, peripheral subsystem 510 mayinclude a USB power delivery subsystem 520 coupled to the peripheralinterconnect and comprising a set of USB-PD modules 521 for use in USBpower delivery. USB-PD modules 521 may be coupled to the peripheralinterconnect 511 through a USB-PD interconnect 523. USB-PD modules 521may include an analog-to-digital conversion (ADC) module for convertingvarious analog signals to digital signals; an error amplifier (AMP) forregulating the output voltage on VBUS line per a PD contract; ahigh-voltage (HV) regulator for converting the power source voltage to aprecise voltage (such as 3.5-5V) to power system 500; a low-side currentsense amplifier (LSCSA) for measuring load current accurately, an overvoltage protection (OVP) module and an over-current protection (OCP)module for providing over-current and over-voltage protection on theVBUS line with configurable thresholds and response times; one or moregate drivers for external power field-effect transistors (FETs) used inUSB power delivery in provider and consumer configurations; and acommunication channel PHY (CC BB PHY) module for supportingcommunications on a Type-C communication channel (CC) line. USB-PDmodules 521 may also include a charger detection module for determiningthat a charging circuit is present and coupled to system 500 and a VBUSdischarge module for controlling the discharge of voltage on VBUS. USBpower delivery subsystem 520 may also include pads 527 for externalconnections and electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection circuitry 529,which may be required on a Type-C port. USB-PD modules 521 may alsoinclude a communication module for retrieving and communicatinginformation stored in non-volatile memory one controller with anothercontroller, such as between a primary-side controller and asecondary-side controller of a flyback converter. USB-PD modules 521 mayalso include one or more modules for ground and supply cablecompensation as described herein.

GPIO 515, TCPWM 517, and SCB 519 may be coupled to an input/output (I/O)subsystem 550, which may include a high-speed (HS) I/O matrix 551coupled to a number of GPIOs 553. GPIOs 515, TCPWM 517, and SCB 519 maybe coupled to GPIOs 553 through HS I/O matrix 551.

System 500 may also include a central processing unit (CPU) subsystem530 for processing commands, storing program information, and data. CPUsubsystem 530 may include one or more processing units 531 for executinginstructions and reading from and writing to memory locations from anumber of memories. Processing unit 531 may be a processor suitable foroperation in an integrated circuit (IC) or a system-on-chip (SOC)device. In some embodiments, processing unit 531 may be optimized forlow-power operation with extensive clock gating. In this embodiment,various internal control circuits may be implemented for processing unitoperation in various power states. For example, processing unit 531 mayinclude a wake-up interrupt controller (WIC) configured to wake theprocessing unit up from a sleep state, allowing power to be switched offwhen the IC or SOC is in a sleep state. CPU subsystem 530 may includeone or more memories, including a flash memory 533, and static randomaccess memory (SRAM) 535, and a read-only memory (ROM) 537. Flash memory533 may be a non-volatile memory (NAND flash, NOR flash, etc.)configured for storing data, programs, and/or other firmwareinstructions. Flash memory 533 may include a read accelerator and mayimprove access times by integration within CPU subsystem 530. SRAM 535may be a volatile memory configured for storing data and firmwareinstructions accessible by processing unit 531. ROM 537 may beconfigured to store boot-up routines, configuration parameters, andother firmware parameters and settings that do not change during theoperation of system 500. SRAM 535 and ROM 537 may have associatedcontrol circuits. Processing unit 531 and the memories may be coupled toa system interconnect 539 to route signals to and from the variouscomponents of CPU subsystem 530 to other blocks or modules of system500. System interconnect 539 may be implemented as a system bus such asa single-level or multi-level AHB. System interconnect 539 may beconfigured as an interface to couple the various components of CPUsubsystem 530 to each other. System interconnect 539 may be coupled toperipheral interconnect 511 to provide signal paths between thecomponents of CPU subsystem 530 and peripheral subsystem 510.

System 500 may also include a number of system resources 540, includinga power module 541, a clock module 543, a reset module 545, and a testmodule 547. Power module 541 may include a sleep control module, awake-up interrupt control (WIC) module, a power-on-reset (POR) module, anumber of voltage references (REF), and a PWRSYS module. In someembodiments, power module 541 may include circuits that allow system 500to draw and/or provide power from/to external sources at differentvoltage and/or current levels and to support controller operation indifferent power states, such as active, low-power, or sleep. In variousembodiments, more power states may be implemented as system 500throttles back operation to achieve a desired power consumption oroutput. Clock module 543 may include a clock control module, a watchdogtimer (WDT), an internal low-speed oscillator (ILO), and an internalmain oscillator (IMO). Reset module 545 may include a reset controlmodule and an external reset (XRES) module. Test module 547 may includea module to control and enter a test mode as well as testing controlmodules for analog and digital functions (digital test and analog DFT).

System 500 may be implemented in a monolithic (e.g., single)semiconductor die. In other embodiments, various portions or modules ofsystem 500 may in implemented on different semiconductor dies. Forexample, memory modules of CPU subsystem 530 may be on-chip or separate.In still other embodiments, separate-die circuits may be packaged into asingle “chip,” or remain separate and disposed on a circuit board (or ina USB cable connector) as separate elements.

System 500 may be implemented in a number of application contexts toprovide USB-PD functionality thereto. In each application context, an ICcontroller or SOC implementing system 500 may be disposed and configuredin an electronic device (e.g., a USB-enabled device) to performoperations in accordance with the techniques described herein. In oneexample embodiment, a system 500 may be disposed and configured in apersonal computer (PC) power adapter for a laptop, a notebook computer,etc. In another example embodiment, system 500 may be disposed andconfigured in a power adapter (e.g., a wall charger) for a mobileelectronic device (e.g., a smartphone, a tablet, etc.). In anotherexample embodiment, system 500 may be disposed and configured in a wallsocket that is configured to provide power over USB Type-A and/or Type-Cport(s). In another example embodiment, system 500 may be disposed andconfigured in a car charger that is configured to provide power over USBType-A and/or Type-C port(s). In yet another example embodiment, system500 may be disposed and configured in a power bank that can get chargedand then provide power to another electronic device over a USB Type-A orType-C port. In other embodiments, a system like system 500 may beconfigured with the power switch gate control circuitry described hereinand may be disposed in various other USB-enabled electronic orelectro-mechanical devices.

It should be understood that a system, like system 500 implemented on oras an IC controller, may be disposed into different applications, whichmay differ with respect to the type of power source being used and thedirection in which power is being delivered. For example, in the case ofa car charger, the power source is a car battery that provides DC power,while in the case of a mobile power adapter, the power source is an ACwall socket. Further, in a PC power adapter, the flow of power deliveryis from a provider device to a consumer device. In contrast, in the caseof a power bank, the flow of power delivery may be in both directionsdepending on whether the power bank operates as a power provider (e.g.,to power another device) or as a power consumer (e.g., to get chargeditself). For these reasons, the various applications of system 500should be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of a method 600 of a ground and supply cablecompensation scheme for a multi-port USB-PD device according to oneembodiment. The method 600 may be performed by processing logic thatcomprises hardware (e.g., circuitry, dedicated logic, programmablelogic, microcode, etc.), firmware, or a combination thereof. In oneembodiment, the method 600 may be performed by any of the processingdevices described herein. In one embodiment, the method 600 is performedby the USB-C controller 116 of FIG. 1. In another embodiment, the method600 is performed by the USB-PD device 100 of FIG. 1. In anotherembodiment, the method 600 is performed by the dual-port USB-Ccontroller 400 of FIG. 4. In at least one embodiment, the method 600operates a USB-enabled device with a multi-port integrated circuit (IC)controller. In one embodiment, the processing logic executes afirmware-based method that performs the following operations. In anotherembodiment, the processing logic has embedded code or logic and isconfigured to execute instructions to perform the following operations.

The method 600 begins by the processing logic receiving a first groundsignal indicative of a first ground potential at a first USB-C connectorthat is coupled to the multi-port IC controller via a first cable (block602). The processing logic receives a second ground signal indicative ofa second ground potential at a second USB-C connector coupled to themulti-port IC controller via a second cable (block 604). The processinglogic receives a system ground signal (block 606). The first groundsignal and the second ground signal are electrically isolated from thesystem ground signal. The processing logic adjusts a first power voltage(VBUS) signal on a first voltage supply terminal based on the firstground signal and the system ground signal (block 608). The processinglogic adjusts a second VBUS signal on the first voltage supply terminalbased on the second ground signal and the system ground signal (block610), and the method 600 ends.

In a further embodiment, the processing logic sends or receives firstcontrol signatures using a first CC physical interface coupled to afirst USB-C connector. The first CC physical interface operates at thesame first ground potential as the first USB-C connector. In a furtherembodiment, the processing logic sends or receives second controlsignals using a second CC physical interface coupled to a second USB-Cconnector. The second CC physical interface operates at the same secondground potential as the second USB-C connector. In a further embodiment,the processing logic sends or receives third control signals using athird CC physical interface coupled to a third USB-C connector. Thethird CC physical interface operates at a same third ground potential asthe third USB-C connector.

In at least one embodiment, the processing logic shifts voltage levelsof the first control signals between the first CC physical interface anda processing core. The processing logic shifts the voltage levels of thesecond control signals between the second CC physical interface and theprocessing core.

In at least one embodiment, the processing logic senses the first groundpotential at the first USB connector and generates the first groundsignal indicative of the first ground potential at the first USB-Cconnector. In at least one embodiment, the processing logic senses thesecond ground potential at the second USB-C connector and generates thesecond ground signal indicative of the second ground potential at thesecond USB-C connector.

In at least one embodiment, the processing logic sends or receives firstdata signals using a first data physical interface coupled to the firstUSB-C connector. The first data physical interface operates at the samefirst ground potential as the first USB-C connector. In at least oneembodiment, the processing logic sends or receives second data controlsignals using a second CC physical interface coupled to the second USB-Cconnector. The second CC physical interface operates at the same secondground potential as the second USB-C connector.

In the above description, some portions of the detailed description arepresented in terms of algorithms and symbolic representations ofoperations on data bits within a computer memory. These algorithmicdescriptions and representations are the means used by those skilled inthe data processing arts to most effectively convey the substance oftheir work to others skilled in the art. An algorithm is here andgenerally, conceived to be a self-consistent sequence of steps leadingto a desired result. The steps are those requiring physicalmanipulations of physical quantities. Usually, though not necessarily,these quantities take the form of electrical or magnetic signals capableof being stored, transferred, combined, compared, and otherwisemanipulated. It has proven convenient at times, principally for reasonsof common usage, to refer to these signals as bits, values, elements,symbols, characters, terms, numbers, or the like.

It should be borne in mind, however, that all of these and similar termsare to be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and aremerely convenient labels applied to these quantities. Unlessspecifically stated otherwise as apparent from the above discussion, itis appreciated that throughout the description, discussions utilizingterms such as “driving,” “receiving,” “controlling,” “pulling down,”“shorting,” or the like, refer to the actions and processes of acomputing system, or similar electronic computing device, thatmanipulates and transforms data represented as physical (e.g.,electronic) quantities within the computing system's registers andmemories into other data similarly represented as physical quantitieswithin the computing system memories or registers or other suchinformation storage, transmission or display devices.

The words “example” or “exemplary” are used herein to mean serving as anexample, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design describedherein as “example’ or “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed aspreferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Rather, the useof the words “example” or “exemplary” is intended to present concepts ina concrete fashion. As used in this application, the term “or” isintended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or.” Unlessspecified otherwise or clear from context, “X includes A or B” isintended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is if Xincludes A; X includes B; or X includes both A and B, then “X includes Aor B” is satisfied under any of the foregoing instances. In addition,the articles “a” and “an” as used in this application and the appendedclaims should generally be construed to mean “one or more” unlessspecified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singularform. Moreover, use of the term “an embodiment” or “one embodiment” or“an embodiment” or “one embodiment” throughout is not intended to meanthe same embodiment or embodiment unless described as such.

Embodiments described herein may also relate to an apparatus forperforming the operations herein. This apparatus may be speciallyconstructed for the required purposes, or it may comprise ageneral-purpose computer selectively activated or reconfigured byfirmware instructions stored in the computer. Such firmware instructionsmay be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, suchas, but not limited to, any type of disk including optical disks,CD-ROMs and magnetic-optical disks, read-only memories (ROMs), randomaccess memories (RAMs), EPROMs, EEPROMs, magnetic or optical cards,flash memory, or any type of media suitable for storing electronicinstructions. The term “computer-readable storage medium” should betaken to include a single medium or multiple media that store one ormore sets of instructions. The term “computer-readable medium” shallalso be taken to include any medium capable of storing, encoding, orcarrying a set of instructions for execution by the machine, whichcauses the machine to perform any one or more of the methodologies ofthe present embodiments. The term “computer-readable storage medium”shall accordingly be taken to include, but not be limited to,solid-state memories, optical media, magnetic media, any medium that iscapable of storing a set of instructions for execution by the machineand that causes the machine to perform any one or more of themethodologies of the present embodiments.

The above description sets forth numerous specific details, such asexamples of specific systems, components, methods, and so forth, inorder to provide a good understanding of several embodiments of thepresent disclosure. It is to be understood that the above description isintended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many other embodimentswill be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading andunderstanding the above description. The scope of the disclosure should,therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, alongwith the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

What is claimed is:
 1. A multi-port Universal Serial Bus Type-C (USB-C)controller comprising: a system ground terminal; a first port to coupleto a first USB-C connector via a first cable, the first port comprisinga first ground terminal, and a first power voltage line (VBUS) terminal,a first configuration channel (CC) terminal and a second CC terminal; asecond port to couple to a second USB-C connector via a second cable,the second port comprising a second ground terminal, a second VBUSterminal, a third CC terminal and a fourth CC terminal; a first powercontrol circuit (PCU) coupled to the system ground terminal and thefirst port, wherein the first PCU is to receive a first ground signalindicative of a first ground potential at the first USB-C connector andadjust a first VBUS signal on the first VBUS terminal based on the firstground signal and a system ground signal on the system ground terminal,wherein the first ground signal is electrically isolated from the systemground signal and a second PCU coupled to the system ground terminal andthe second port, wherein the second PCU is to receive a second groundsignal indicative of a second ground potential at the second USB-Cconnector and adjust a second VBUS signal on the second VBUS terminalbased on the second ground signal and the system ground signal, whereinthe second ground signal is electrically isolated from the system groundsignal.
 2. The multi-port USB-C controller of claim 1, furthercomprising: a first configuration channel (CC) physical interfacecoupled to the first ground terminal, the first CC terminal, and thesecond CC terminal, wherein the first CC physical interface operates atthe same first ground potential as the first USB-C connector; and asecond CC physical interface coupled to the second ground terminal, thethird CC terminal, and the fourth CC terminal, wherein the second CCphysical interface operates at the same second ground potential as thesecond USB-C connector.
 3. The multi-port USB-C controller of claim 2,further comprising: a processing core coupled to the first PCU and thesecond PCU, wherein the processing core is configured to send or receivefirst control signals using the first CC physical interface and send orreceive second control signals using the second CC physical interface; afirst level shifter coupled to the first CC physical interface and theprocessing core, wherein the first level shifter is configured to adjustvoltage levels of the first control signals between the processing coreand the first CC physical interface; and a second level shifter coupledto the second CC physical interface and the processing core, wherein thesecond level shifter is configured to adjust voltage levels of thesecond control signals between the processing core and the first CCphysical interface.
 4. The multi-port USB-C controller of claim 3,further comprising: a third level shifter coupled to the first PCU andthe processing core, wherein the third level shifter is configured toadjust voltage levels of signals between the first PCU and theprocessing core; and a fourth level shifter coupled to the second PCUand the processing core, wherein the fourth level shifter is configuredto adjust voltage levels of signals between the second PCU and theprocessing core.
 5. The multi-port USB-C controller of claim 1, wherein:the first ground terminal is coupled to a first ground-sense circuit,wherein the first ground-sense circuit is configured to: sense the firstground potential at the first USB-C connector; and generate the firstground signal indicative of the first ground potential at the firstUSB-C connector; and the second ground terminal is coupled to a secondground-sense circuit, wherein the second ground-sense circuit isconfigured to: sense the second ground potential at the second USB-Cconnector; and generate the second ground signal indicative of thesecond ground potential at the second USB-C connector.
 6. The multi-portUSB-C controller of claim 1, further comprising: a first data physicalinterface coupled to a first data terminal and a second data terminal,wherein the first data physical interface operates at the same firstground potential as the first USB-C connector; and a second dataphysical interface coupled to a third data terminal and a fourth dataterminal, wherein the second data physical interface operates at thesame second ground potential as the second USB-C connector.
 7. A methodfor operating a Universal Serial Bus (USB)-enabled device comprising amulti-port integrated circuit (IC) controller, the method comprising:receiving, by the IC controller, a first ground signal indicative of afirst ground potential at a first USB-C connector that is coupled to themulti-port IC controller via a first cable; receiving, by the ICcontroller, a second ground signal indicative of a second groundpotential at a second USB-C connector that is coupled to the multi-portIC controller via a second cable; and receiving, by the IC controller, asystem ground signal, wherein the first ground signal and the secondground signal are electrically isolated from the system ground signal;adjusting, by the IC controller, a first power voltage (VBUS) signal ona first voltage supply terminal based on the first ground signal and thesystem ground signal; and adjusting, by the IC controller, a second VBUSsignal on the first voltage supply terminal based on the second groundsignal and the system ground signal.
 8. The method of claim 7, furthercomprising: sending or receiving first control signals using a firstconfiguration channel (CC) physical interface coupled to the first USB-Cconnector, wherein the first CC physical interface operates at the samefirst ground potential as the first USB-C connector; and sending orreceiving second control signals using a second CC physical interfacecoupled to the second USB-C connector, wherein the second CC physicalinterface operates at the same second ground potential as the secondUSB-C connector.
 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising: shiftingvoltage levels of the first control signals between the first CCphysical interface and a processing core; and shifting voltage levels ofthe second control signals between the second CC physical interface andthe processing core.
 10. The method of claim 8, further comprising:sensing the first ground potential at the first USB-C connector; andgenerating the first ground signal indicative of the first groundpotential at the first USB-C connector; sensing the second groundpotential at the second USB-C connector; and generating the secondground signal indicative of the second ground potential at the secondUSB-C connector.
 11. The method of claim 7, further comprising: sendingor receiving first data signals using a first data physical interfacecoupled to the first USB-C connector, wherein the first data physicalinterface operates at the same first ground potential as the first USB-Cconnector; and sending or receiving second data control signals using asecond CC physical interface coupled to the second USB-C connector,wherein the second CC physical interface operates at the same secondground potential as the second USB-C connector.
 12. A system comprising:a first Universal Serial Bus Type-C (USB-C) connector; a second USB-Cconnector; a multi-port Universal Serial Bus Type-C (USB-C) controllercoupled to the first USB-C connector via a first cable and the secondUSB-C connector via a second cable, wherein the multi-port USB-Ccontroller comprises: a first ground terminal to couple to a systemground; a second ground terminal to receive a first ground signalindicative of a first ground potential at a first USB-C connector thatis coupled to the multi-port USB-C controller via a first cable, whereinthe first ground signal is electrically isolated from the system ground;a third ground terminal to receive a second ground signal indicative ofa second ground potential at a second USB-C connector that is coupled tothe multi-port USB-C controller via a second cable, wherein the secondground signal is electrically isolated from the system ground; a firstvoltage supply terminal to couple to a first power voltage (VBUS)terminal of the first USB-C connector; a second voltage supply terminalto couple to a second VBUS terminal of the second USB-C connector; afirst power control circuit (PCU) coupled to the first ground terminal,the second ground terminal, and the first voltage supply terminal, thefirst PCU to adjust a first VBUS signal on the first voltage supplyterminal based on the first ground signal and the system ground; and asecond PCU coupled to the first ground terminal, the third groundterminal, and the second voltage supply terminal, the second PCU toadjust a second VBUS signal on the first voltage supply terminal basedon the second ground signal and the system ground.
 13. The system ofclaim 12, wherein the multi-port USB-C controller further comprises: afirst configuration channel (CC) physical interface coupled to the firstground terminal, the first CC terminal, and the second CC terminal,wherein the first CC physical interface operates at the same firstground potential as the first USB-C connector; and a second CC physicalinterface coupled to the second ground terminal, the third CC terminal,and the fourth CC terminal, wherein the second CC physical interfaceoperates at the same second ground potential as the second USB-Cconnector.
 14. The system of claim 12, wherein the multi-port USB-Ccontroller further comprises: a processing core coupled to the first PCUand the second PCU, wherein the processing core is configured to send orreceive first control signals using the first CC physical interface andsend or receive second control signals using the second CC physicalinterface; a first level shifter coupled to the first CC physicalinterface and the processing core, wherein the first level shifter isconfigured to adjust voltage levels of the first control signals betweenthe processing core and the first CC physical interface; and a secondlevel shifter coupled to the second CC physical interface and theprocessing core, wherein the second level shifter is configured toadjust voltage levels of the second control signals between theprocessing core and the first CC physical interface.
 15. The system ofclaim 12, wherein the multi-port USB-C controller further comprises: athird level shifter coupled to the first PCU and the processing core,wherein the third level shifter is configured to adjust voltage levelsof signals between the first PCU and the processing core; and a fourthlevel shifter coupled to the second PCU and the processing core, whereinthe fourth level shifter is configured to adjust voltage levels ofsignals between the second PCU and the processing core.
 16. The systemof claim 12, further comprising: a first ground-sense circuit coupled tothe first ground terminal, wherein the first ground-sense circuit isconfigured to: sense the first ground potential at the first USB-Cconnector; and generate the first ground signal indicative of the firstground potential at the first USB-C connector; and a second ground-sensecircuit coupled to the second ground terminal, wherein the secondground-sense circuit is configured to: sense the second ground potentialat the second USB-C connector; and generate the second ground signalindicative of the second ground potential at the second USB-C connector.17. The system of claim 12, wherein the multi-port USB-C controllerfurther comprises: a first data physical interface coupled to a firstdata terminal and a second data terminal, wherein the first dataphysical interface operates at the same first ground potential as thefirst USB-C connector; and a second data physical interface coupled to athird data terminal and a fourth data terminal, wherein the second dataphysical interface operates at the same second ground potential as thesecond USB-C connector.
 18. The system of claim 12, further comprising avehicle entertainment system coupled to the multi-port USB-C controller.19. The system of claim 12, wherein the first USB-C connector is locatedat a first location within a vehicle and the multi-port USB-C controlleris located at a second location within the vehicle, and wherein thefirst cable extends between the first location and the second location.20. The system of claim 12, further comprising a connector coupled tothe multi-port USB-C controller, wherein the system is at least one of ahead-unit charger, a rear-seat charger, a charger of an entertainmentsystem.